The First Samurai
The Life and Legend of the Warrior Rebel, Taira Masakado
1st Edition
Published on 1. November 2007
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-0-471-76082-5 (ISBN)
Description
A portrait of Japan's first significant samurai leader and his world
Was samurai warrior Taira Masakado a quixotic megalomaniac or a hero swept up by events beyond his control? Did he really declare himself to be the "New Emperor"? Did he suffer divine retribution for his ego and ambition? Filled with insurrections, tribal uprisings, pirate disturbances, and natural disasters, this action-packed account of Masakado's insurrection offers a captivating introduction to the samurai, their role in 10th-century society, and the world outside the capital-a must-read for those interested in early Japan, samurai warfare, or the mystique of ancient warriors.
Karl Friday (Athens, GA) is a Professor of History at the University of Georgia. A renowned expert on the samurai and early Japanese history, he has authored four books and appeared on numerous A&E, History, and Discovery Channel programs. He is active on several Web forums.
More details
Edition
1., Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Turner Publishing Company
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paper over boards
With dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
522 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-471-76082-5 (9780471760825)
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2007
1st Edition
Trade Paper Press
€12.49
Available for download
Person
Karl Friday is a professor of history at the University of Georgia. A renowned expert on the samurai and early Japanese history, he is the author of four books and has appeared on numerous A&E, History, and Discovery Channel programs.
Content
List of Figures.
Acknowledgements.
1. Masakado and His Legacy.
Masakado's Legacy.
The First Samurai.
2. Masakado's World.
The Court and the Countryside.
Premise, Reality and Adjustment.
Tax Farmers, Princes and Bandits.
Alliances and Immigrants.
The Taira in the East.
3. Masakado and His Uncles.
The Alliance.
The Battle at Shimozuke Capital.
Yoshikane's Revenge.
4. New Enemies and New Friends.
The Feud with Sadamori.
The Quarrel in Musashi.
Ambushes and Raids.
Rainbows, Earthquakes and Bandits.
Conclusion.
5. Insurrection.
The Incident at the Hitachi Capital.
Lord of the Kant.
The Court's Response.
"Insurrections East and West".
Conclusion.
6. Apotheosis.
The Letter to Fujiwara Tadahira.
Rebellion or Redemption?
Miscreancy & Misfire in Hitachi.
Fujiwara Hidesato.
Blunder, Mishap and Rout.
The Final Reckoning.
Conclusion.
7. Epilogue.
Seeking Sumitomo.
And to the Victors.
Posterity.
Conclusion.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index.